Cannot use UNC Pathname for Working Directory in Windows NT

 Last reviewed: March 25, 1997
Article ID: Q105250

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0

SYMPTOMS

In Windows NT, you cannot specify a UNC (universal naming convention) pathname for the working directory of an icon for a 16-bit application. If you set a UNC pathname as a working directory, you will not receive an error message indicating that the working directory is invalid, but the directory specified will not be the working directory.

WORKAROUND

To work around this limitation, use the NT 3.x File Manager or NT 4.0 Network Neighborhood icon to make a full connection to the desired share and specify that drive as the working directory.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Problem

  1. Using NT 3.x File Manager or NT 4.0 Explorer, share a directory either on the local computer or a remote computer.

  2. In NT 3.x Program Manager, create an icon with the following properties: 

          Command Line:       WRITE.EXE
      Working Directory:  \\computername\sharename

   - or -

  3. On the NT 4.0 desktop, create a shortcut with the following properties: 

          Target:             %WINDIR%\WINHELP.EXE
      Start in:           \\computername\sharename

  4. Start the application using the new icon and choose Open from the File menu.

In the Directories list of the Open dialog box, you will not see the path to the working directory specified in the Program Item Properties using the UNC pathname, even though you did not receive any error messages.

Additional query words: prodnt 3.x 3.5x 16bit
Keywords : kbnetwork ntnetserv
Version : 3.1 3.5 3.51 4.0
Platform : WinNT

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Last reviewed: March 25, 1997
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